This interview was conducted with Mr. Michael Schubager (The client can insert any name). He is a famous director and senior recording artist. Having overseen the rise and growth of many local and international artists, we considered him the best to provide the best information about the evolving nature of hip-hop music. The common theme is that hip-hop is critical for promoting political and social awareness among modern-day youth. This is important in ensuring the youth are aware of the universe around them and their conditions in the community, helping them discuss the methods to contribute positively to society.
Interview Questions
Interviewer: When did you first listen to Hip-hop music?
Interviewee: I first listened to hip-hop music during the 1980s and 1990s. I used to listen to rising stars such as Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac.
Interviewer: What is the most important part of hip-hop music for you?
Interviewee: Being an African American, I was drawn to the music industry from a young age. I considered music an essential escape route from the daily challenges he faced in society at home. Growing up, racism was commonplace in the United States, and given these challenges, music was the only solace.
Interviewer: Do you believe hip-hop music is a source of inspiration for unity in society?
Interviewee: I always listened to Tupac, and I believe most of his performances influenced me to look out for artists who could promote the overall good of the community and use their music as a tool for change. Hip-hop is the most popular genre in the United States as it has won the heart of many people, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Interviewer: Can you please narrate the history of hip-hop culture and why it remains relevant in modern-day society?
Interviewee: Hip-hop music began during the 1970s as an underground urban movement created in the Bronx, New York City. It mainly focused on neighborhood parties and was held outdoors. Influential, pioneering artists such as Richard Pryor and Muhammad Ali were key to the development and advancement of hip-hop music. Indeed, the movement began as a method for people to control their lives through self-expression and self-knowledge (Hollie 5). Knowledge influenced the technique and style, connecting artists under the common hip-hop umbrella.
Interviewee: Do you believe modern artists play an important role in the evolution of hip-hop music?
Interviewee: Modern-day artists have realized the vision of the pioneers to use the genre to express their concerns over issues in the community. For example, we can refer to the recent murder of George Floyd and how different music artists, including Da Baby’s Rockstar, expressed the challenges African Americans face that will not fade away any soon. In the popular Rockstar video, Da Baby is disgusted about the daily shootings and racial profiling of African Americans and other minority communities (DaBaby). This way, hip-hop has evolved as a musical genre and into a political movement, and people used to realize meaningful changes in the community.
Interviewer: Evolution in the music genre has to do with performances. Do you believe this is the case with hip-hop music?
Interviewee: The internet culture had introduced a whole new dynamic to hip-hop, spanning the revolution into different countries. I am amazed at how fast international audiences appreciate hip-hop, claiming that it was a blessing in disguise for the United States. Indeed, the viral culture had developed fast, with artists such as Soulja Boy maximizing on it to realize their music dream 15 years ago. What began as a niche subset of the internet culture has fast metamorphosed into the bedrock of modern-day performances, the resurgence of the rap game, and successful marketing campaigns. I consider this is good for the rapper’s popularity, making them have better and more fulfilling careers.
Interviewer: What is your opinion about violence in hip-hop music?
Interviewee: Hip-hop movement began as retaliation against evil in the community. However, we have seen some influential artists have troubling careers, such as Tupac and Notorious BIG, who found it hard to navigate fame and music. Since the 2000s, artists have become more accountable. The brand of a conspicuous rapper has become more evident. Rappers face backlash for sexism and homophobia, and other offenses (Clark 51). Fans have turned into the harshest criticism because of the social media platforms where everything is laid bare. These control mechanisms are suitable for the music industry and will only ensure respect and accountable individuals.
Interviewer: What is the way forward?
Interviewee: We need to censor and control to avoid hip-hop music failing to survive. The genre is essential for American popular culture and has influenced various developments in the United States. However, hip-hop music could corrupt when not used well.
Thank you for your important input about hip-hop music. I have learned a lot about the history and significance of this music genre, information which I believe will be key whenever developing a model for the future survival of the industry. Using this information, I believe we will have a foundation through which we can build on and become better.
Works Cited
Clark, Todd J. “The Takeover: Hip Hop’s Evolution and Influence in the Law School Classroom.” N.C. Cent. L. Rev. 42 (2019): 51.
DaBaby. “DaBaby – Rockstar feat. Roddy Ricch (Official Music Video).” YouTube, 26 June 2020, www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxFstYSbBmc&ab_channel=DaBaby.
Hollie, DeMario Antwaine. An exploration of hip hop influence. Diss. 2018. https://asu-ir.tdl.org/bitstream/handle/2346.1/30897/HOLLIE-THESIS-2018.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
https://archives.law.nccu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1797&context=ncclr